– More children and young people need to open their eyes to the good quality fish and seafood we have in Norway. To counter the declining trend, we need to ensure easy access to seafood. We know that the price of fish and seafood constitutes a major barrier to increasing their consumption in schools and kindergartens. That's why we're now allocating an additional 3,9 millions crowns for the Fiskesprell food program to strengthen access to seafood, says Minister for Fisheries and the Sea, Cecilie Myrseth.
Also read: Test of alarm notifications on mobile phones
Fiskesprell program. Fewer people in Norway eat fish and seafood
There are fewer and fewer inhabitants of Norway decides to eat fish and seafood. This trend, unfortunately, has not changed for several years, especially among children and adolescents. In response to this phenomenon, the Fiskesprell nutrition program receives additional funding of 3,9 million crowns. The goal is to increase support for raw materials in schools and kindergartens.
People in Norway eat less fish
2023 was the best year ever Norwegian seafood exports. The value of exports increased by 14 procent compared to 2022, which was also a record year. However, the consumption of fish and seafood by inhabitants of Norway has been falling steadily for many years. There has been a decline of 2015 since 13 procent in the consumption of fish and seafood.
– Fish and seafood are the second largest export goods Norway. At the same time, we have never eaten less fish than we do here at home, which is why the government is committed to doing more. Seafood is both sustainable and healthy, so we need to change this trend. It's both about our health and the health of our planet, because the sea is the most sustainable food source we have. I want to contribute to more children and teenagers falling in love with nutritious and tasty fish and seafood through the Fiskesprell program, says Myrseth.
More actions to change the negative trend
– The negative trend in seafood consumption probably has many causes. The government takes this negative development seriously and is considering both the causes and possible actions. Namely, we have convened a group of experts to explore cost-effective actions that can contribute to quality improvement diets and reducing social disparities. Changing this trend will require a joint effort - from producers and the food trade, restaurants and canteens, at school, in the community workplace and of course at home. I hope more Norwegians will use the new year to put more fantastic seafood on the table, says Myrseth.
A group of experts delivered theirs report to the Ministry of Health and Social Care on January 5 and will now be analyzed.
About the Fiskesprell Program
Fiskesprell is a national nutrition program that aims to increase consumption of fish and seafood among children and adolescents. This is achieved through training for employees of kindergartens, school clubs and students studying for professions related to child and youth care in secondary schools. The aim is to motivate and inspire adults responsible for the nutrition of children and adolescents to prepare seafood dishes.
Fiskesprell also provides free teaching material and offers support in purchasing seafood for kindergartens and schools. The program provides children and adolescents with equal access to fish and seafood, which contributes to reducing social differences in diet.
Like us on Facebook and share our post with others
Source: regjeringen
Also read: Test of alarm notifications on mobile phones
